John William “Bill” Onions, Jr., 87, died Saturday May 19, 2012 at Good Samaritan Society – Liberal Campus in Liberal, KS

He was born June 3, 1924 at his parent’s home in Liberal, KS, the son of John William and Freda Ruth (Eldridge) Onions. He has been a lifetime Liberal resident graduating from Liberal High School in 1942. He went on to study animal husbandry at Oklahoma Panhandle State University. He worked for the US Postal Service as a mail carrier from 1949 to 1980. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, were he was an elder and deacon. He also was a former member of the Elks Lodge and the Liberal Camper Club. He and his wife enjoyed Square Dancing and Camping. In June of 1948 he married Marita Brandes in Liberal, KS. On Nov. 6, 1973, he married Ruth I. (Carter) Harris at Liberal. She died March 16, 2004.

He had served with the US Marines during WWII from 1942 to 1946. He then joined the US Army Reserves and retired from the reserves in 1984.

Survivors include 2 Sons: Michael Onions of Durango, CO Richard Onions and wife Barbara of Eagle Mountain, UT

2 Daughters: Jetta Headrick and husband Marvin of Turpin, OK Michelle Tombs of Carlsbad, NM

1 Step-Son: Ken Williams and wife Nancy of Great Bend, KS

1 Brother: Clifford Leon Onions of Liberal, KS

12 Grandchildren 11 Great Grandchildren 3 Step-Grandchildren

He is preceded in death by his parents, 2 Sisters: Vest Jean Brennan and Donna Kauffman.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 pm Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church, Liberal with Pastor Steve B. Saville presiding. Burial will be in Liberal Cemetery. Military Honors will be given by the US Marines.

Visitation will be 5 – 8 pm Monday and 9 – 11 am Tuesday at Brenneman Funeral Home. The family will be present to greet friends 7 – 8 pm Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church in care of Brenneman Funeral Home 1212 W. 2nd Liberal, KS 67901.